Math student helps design responsible AI pilot that streamlines employee efficiency for Canada’s public servants
Michael Volovyk
Undergraduate student, Faculty of Mathematics
> Co-op and Experiential Education
At Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a new step using artificial intelligence (AI) is showing how technology can strengthen employee efficiency. And a Waterloo co-op helped build it.
During a recent work term, computer science student Michael Volovyk joined a federal digital lab developing a groundbreaking AI pilot designed to assist employees with their administrative tasks.
“It was very early-stage testing, but while I was there, it evolved from a quickly assembled prototype into a full system ready for initial testing,” Volovyk says. “If development continues intensively, I imagine it’s ready to be used internally by a small group.”
Ethics and security considerations were central to the project. Before any line of code was developed, IRCC dedicated several months to establishing robust AI guidelines and protocols. This process ensured that all systems and data infrastructure operated within Canadian jurisdiction, demonstrating a commitment to sovereign AI and the responsible management of government data.
The guidelines also stressed that AI should not operate autonomously or make operation decisions. Instead, it provides employees with timely information and tools, enabling them to spend less time searching for answers and more time focusing on core tasks.
Once the prototype stabilized, Volovyk helped launch its early testing phase, where a group of employees interacted with the AI, asking real-world questions and providing feedback to refine its accuracy and usefulness.
Reflecting on his experience, Volovyk credits Waterloo’s practical curriculum that prepared him well for his first co-op work term.
“One lab course focused entirely on development tools used in the industry. It was all about practical applications — thinking abstractly, solving complex problems, and how to compile, build and deploy software.”
At the end of the term, Waterloo hosted a private showcase for co-op students working with AI across federal departments. Senior government officials gained insights into the value of co-operative education, and the impact Waterloo students are making in public service.
“Waterloo has a strong culture of ambition. Students are always looking for the next opportunity, trying to land roles at top companies or even start your own venture,” Volovyk adds. “The environment really pushed me to develop my skills and market myself as the best software engineer that I can be.”
